frequently asked questions

Who is Youth Apprenticeship for?

Youth Apprenticeship (YA) is for every high school student - whether you are planning to attend college, start a career, or both. Employers and colleges value YA because it builds real-world skills and professional experience. Through YA, students have unlocked college admission, competitive scholarships, fully paid apprenticeships, and direct job offers.

Is there a GPA requirement for YA?

No! There is no minimum GPA required to join. You just need to be on track to graduate. What matters most to employers is your reliability, work ethic, and willingness to learn.

Do students earn certifications through YA?

Yes! All students earn an Occupational Skills Certification, proving they have industry-ready skills. Many students also earn credentials like OSHA 10, CNA, or First Aid.

How do students earn free college credits through YA?

Students can take classes at Lakeshore College or UW-Green Bay - with tuition and textbooks fully paid by Lincoln High School. Popular courses include healthcare, welding, business, agriculture, education, and machining.

How do students apply for YA?

Students must fill out the online YA application. Visit our Apply page to get started!

How are students hired?

Employers hire students based on their application and an interview (most take place March–May, though hiring occurs year-round). Mrs. Proszenyak works with candidates to connect them with available opportunities, but all hiring decisions are made directly by the employers.

How much are students paid?

Wages are set directly by the employer, so pay rates vary by business and industry.

Who employes the student?

Students are direct employees of the partner business and must follow the company’s work, safety, and attendance policies.

My parent/relative/friend owns a company. Can I do a YA there?

Yes! Contact Mrs. Proszenyak to set up the partnership.

Do students earn high school credit for YA?

Yes! YA counts as a high school class worth 3 elective credits per year (1.5 credits per semester).

How are students graded?

Grades are based on employer worksite evaluations and assignments (like workplace reflections) submitted via Mrs. Proszenyak's Google Classroom.

Do students earn a graduation cord for YA?

Yes! Students who complete the program receive a purple and silver honor cord to wear at graduation, recognizing their achievement in career and technical education.

What guides student learning?

Learning is structured around industry-specific Skills Standards Checklists created by business leaders and provided by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Can students in sports, clubs, or Rising Phoenix do YA?

Yes! Students frequently combine YA with sports, theater, music, clubs, and Rising Phoenix. The flexible college schedule of Rising Phoenix pairs especially well with YA.

When do students work?

Work schedules vary by student and are based on a student's school schedule and employer needs. Students communicate with their employers to set a schedule that works best for everyone!

How many hours do students need to work?

Students must work a minimum of 450 hours over the course of the school year. Summer hours count towards this total. In general, students should average a minimum of 12-14 work hours per week during the school year.

Can students have release time from school in order to work?

Yes! YA students can have up to 4 periods of release time from school in order to work. Mrs. Proszenyak works with each YA student to determine the number of release periods that works best for them.

How will YA work with my classes and school schedule?

Mrs. Proszenyak meets individually with every YA student and their school counselor to create a school schedule that fits what each student needs for classes and work.